SI ranks Duke basketball star among top 10 in NBA

Duke basketball product Jayson Tatum keeps steadily climbing the NBA ranks.

Matt Giles | Oct 8, 2022

Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)

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This week, former Duke basketball one-and-done and current Boston Celtics centerpiece Jayson Tatum jumped four spots from last preseason to No. 9 on SI.com's annual NBA Top 100 Rankings this go-round. Three weeks ago, ESPN released its top 100, and Tatum appeared at No. 7 overall.

Rohan Nadkarni, Chris Herring, and Jeremy Woo compiled SI.com's list and offered the following summary of Tatum's prowess:

"When you consider Tatum's height, wingspan, defensive acumen, shooting stroke and offensive sophistication at only 24 years old, it's like he was built in a lab for the modern NBA. Tatum is everything a team could hope for and more in a young wing, and he's the type of player who should be leading the Celtics deep into the playoffs for years to come."

Last season, Jayson Tatum's fifth in the league since going No. 3 overall at the 2017 NBA Draft, the 6-foot-8, 210-pound small forward averaged a career-high 26.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in the regular season. Then the third-time All-Star, who earned All-NBA First Team honors for the first time, led the Celtics to the NBA Finals.

Five more Blue Devils are among SI.com's top 100: New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson at No. 19, Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram at No. 25, Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving at No. 36, Nets guard Seth Curry at No. 78, and New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett at No. 89.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Oct 8, 2022

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.